US7017582B2 - Stiffening pharyngeal wall treatment - Google Patents

Stiffening pharyngeal wall treatment Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US7017582B2
US7017582B2 US10/237,149 US23714902A US7017582B2 US 7017582 B2 US7017582 B2 US 7017582B2 US 23714902 A US23714902 A US 23714902A US 7017582 B2 US7017582 B2 US 7017582B2
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
implant
airway
pharyngeal
pharyngeal wall
wall
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime, expires
Application number
US10/237,149
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
US20030149488A1 (en
Inventor
Anja K. Metzger
Brian J. Erickson
John P. Sopp
Mark B. Knudson
Timothy R. Conrad
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Medtronic Xomed LLC
Original Assignee
Restore Medical Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US10/066,967 external-priority patent/US7146981B2/en
Application filed by Restore Medical Inc filed Critical Restore Medical Inc
Priority to US10/237,149 priority Critical patent/US7017582B2/en
Assigned to PI MEDICAL, INC. reassignment PI MEDICAL, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: METZGER, ANJA K., CONRAD, TIMOTHY R., ERICKSON, BRIAN J., KNUDSON, MARK B., SOPP, JOHN P.
Assigned to RESTORE MEDICAL INC. reassignment RESTORE MEDICAL INC. MERGER AND CHANGE OF NAME Assignors: PI MEDICAL INC.
Priority to PCT/US2003/003503 priority patent/WO2003065947A1/fr
Priority to AU2003209005A priority patent/AU2003209005A1/en
Publication of US20030149488A1 publication Critical patent/US20030149488A1/en
Priority to US10/825,483 priority patent/US7322993B2/en
Priority to US11/179,184 priority patent/US8037885B2/en
Publication of US7017582B2 publication Critical patent/US7017582B2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Assigned to MEDTRONIC RESTORE MEDICAL, INC. reassignment MEDTRONIC RESTORE MEDICAL, INC. MERGER (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: RESTORE MEDICAL, INC.
Assigned to MEDTRONIC XOMED, INC. reassignment MEDTRONIC XOMED, INC. MERGER (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: MEDTRONIC RESTORE MEDICAL, INC.
Priority to US13/276,146 priority patent/US8413662B2/en
Adjusted expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F5/00—Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints; Nursing devices; Anti-rape devices
    • A61F5/56—Devices for preventing snoring
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
    • A61F2/04—Hollow or tubular parts of organs, e.g. bladders, tracheae, bronchi or bile ducts
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
    • A61F2/20—Epiglottis; Larynxes; Tracheae combined with larynxes or for use therewith
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
    • A61F2/04—Hollow or tubular parts of organs, e.g. bladders, tracheae, bronchi or bile ducts
    • A61F2002/046—Tracheae
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M31/00—Devices for introducing or retaining media, e.g. remedies, in cavities of the body
    • A61M31/002—Devices for releasing a drug at a continuous and controlled rate for a prolonged period of time
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M37/00—Other apparatus for introducing media into the body; Percutany, i.e. introducing medicines into the body by diffusion through the skin

Definitions

  • This invention is directed to methods and apparatuses for treating the pharyngeal wall of a patient. More particularly, this invention pertains to method and apparatus for treating a pharyngeal wall area as part of a sleep apnea treatment.
  • Surgical treatments for the soft palate have also been employed.
  • One such treatment is uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) where about 2 cm of the trailing edge of the soft palate is removed to reduce the soft palate's ability to flutter between the tongue and the pharyngeal wall of the throat.
  • UPPP uvulopalatopharyngoplasty
  • Assessment of snoring treatment is discussed in Cole, et al., “Snoring: A review and a Reassessment”, Journal of Otolaryngology , pp.
  • Huang, et al. propose an alternative to UPPP which proposal includes using a surgical laser to create scar tissue on the surface of the soft palate. The scar is to reduce flexibility of the soft palate to reduce palatal flutter.
  • RF ablation is also suggested to treat the soft palate. RF ablation has also been suggested for ablation of the tongue base.
  • pharyngeal snoring and sleep apnea the pharyngeal airway collapses in an area between the soft palate and the larynx.
  • One technique for treating airway collapse is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).
  • CPAP continuous positive airway pressure
  • air is passed under pressure to maintain a patent airway.
  • CPAP continuous positive airway pressure
  • Treatments of the pharyngeal wall include electrical stimulation is suggested in U.S. Pat. No. 6,240,316 to Richmond et al. issued May 29, 2001, U.S. Pat. No. 4,830,008 to Meer issued May 16, 1989, U.S. Pat. No. 5,158,080 to Kallok issued Oct. 27, 1992, U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,216 to Testerman et al. issued Jan. 7, 1997 and PCT International Publication No. WO 01/23039 published Apr. 5, 2001 (on PCT International Application No. PCT/US00/26616 filed Sep. 28, 2000 with priority to U.S. Ser. No. 09/409,018 filed Sep. 29, 1999).
  • Surgical treatments for sleep apnea are described in Sher et al., “The Efficacy of Surgical Modifications of the Upper Airway in Adults with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome”, Sleep , Vol. 19, No. 2, pp. 156–177 (1996).
  • Anatomical evaluation of patients with sleep apnea or other sleep disordered breathing are described in Schwab, et al., “Upper Airway and Soft Tissue Anatomy in Normal Subjects and Patients with Sleep-Disordered Breathing”, Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med ., Vol. 152, pp.
  • OSA patients are a heterogeneous group; there are differing locations and patterns of pharyngeal collapse for each person.
  • the physical findings and properties which characterize the pharynx in patients with OSA such as increased collapsibility, increased compliance, increased resistance, and decreased cross-sectional area
  • the physical properties and spatial relationships of the pharyngeal airway, head, and neck, as well as the neuromuscular integrity of the airway (reflexes affecting upper airway caliber) and mechanisms of breathing control (pharyngeal inspiratory muscle function) must also be considered relevant in their contribution to the mechanism and precipitation of upper airway collapse.
  • Hudgel D W Mechanisms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea . Chest 1992; 101:541–49.
  • Fairbanks DNF Fujita S, Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Raven Press Ltd., New York, 1994.
  • obstructive apnea occurs during sleep, when the pharyngeal dilator muscle activity (genioglossus, tensor palatini, geniohyoid, stylohyoid) that normally maintains airway patency during inspiration through dilation of the airway, is diminished.
  • pharyngeal dilator muscle activity genioglossus, tensor palatini, geniohyoid, stylohyoid
  • a pharyngeal airway having a pharyngeal wall of a patient at least partially surrounding and defining said airway includes selecting an implant dimensioned so as to be implanted beneath a mucosal layer of the pharyngeal wall and extending transverse to said wall.
  • the implant has mechanical characteristics for the implant, at least in combination with a fibrotic tissue response induced by the implant, to stiffen aid pharyngeal wall to resist radial collapse.
  • the implant is implanted into the pharyngeal wall transverse to a longitudinal axis of the airway.
  • FIG. 1 shows, in cross-section, a naso-pharyngeal area of an untreated patient
  • FIG. 2 is the view of FIG. 1 with the soft palate containing an implant in the form of a bolus of micro-beads deposited in a linear path;
  • FIG. 3 is a frontal view of the patient of FIG. 3 showing an alternative embodiment with micro-beads deposited as spherical deposits;
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic representation showing a patch for delivering a bolus of micro-beads through a plurality of needles
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view (taken generally along line 5 — 5 in FIG. 1 ) of a pharyngeal airway at a position in a person with the airway defined by opposing portions of a pharyngeal wall and a base of a tongue;
  • FIG. 6 is a view similar to that of FIG. 1 (only showing patient's right side) with a device according to the present invention placed in the pharyngeal wall and with the pharyngeal wall and the device shown in perspective for ease of illustration;
  • FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 7 — 7 of FIG. 6 ;
  • FIG. 8 is a view similar to that of FIG. 6 showing multiple devices placed in the pharyngeal wall
  • FIG. 9 is a view similar to that of FIG. 6 showing multiple devices placed in the pharyngeal wall and oriented parallel relative to a longitudinal axis of the air passage;
  • FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 10 — 10 of FIG. 9 ;
  • FIG. 11 is a view similar to that of FIG. 6 with a sheet placed in the pharyngeal wall.
  • FIG. 1 shows, in cross-section, a naso-pharyngeal area of an untreated patient.
  • FIG. 1 shows the nose N, mouth M and throat TH.
  • the tongue T is shown in an oral cavity OC of the mouth.
  • a hard palate HP containing a bone B
  • the nasal concha C soft tissue which defines, in part, the nasal sinus—not shown) resides in the nasal cavity NC.
  • the soft palate SP (a muscle activated soft tissue not supported by bone) depends in cantilevered manner at a leading end LE from the hard palate HP and terminates at a trailing end TE.
  • the pharyngeal wall PW defines the throat passage TP.
  • a nasal passage NP connects the nasal cavity NC to the pharyngeal wall PW.
  • the throat passage TP divides into a trachea TR for passing air to the lungs and an esophagus ES for passing food and drink to the stomach.
  • the soft palate SP is operated by muscles (not separately shown and labeled) to lift the soft palate SP to urge the trailing edge TE against the rear area of the pharyngeal wall PW. This seals the nasal cavity NC from the oral cavity OC during swallowing.
  • the epiglottis EP closes the trachea TR during swallowing and drinking and opens for breathing.
  • the nasal cavity NC, oral cavity OC and throat passage TP are collectively referred to as the naso-pharyngeal area of the patient (defining, in part, the pharyngeal airway PA in FIGS. 5 and 7 ) with the area including the various body surfaces which cooperate to define the nasal cavity NC, oral cavity OC and throat passage TP.
  • body surfaces include outer surfaces of the nasal concha C, the upper and lower surfaces of the soft palate SP and outer surfaces of the pharyngeal wall PW. Outer surfaces means surfaces exposed to air. Both the upper and lower surfaces of the soft palate SP are outer surfaces.
  • Snoring can result from vibration of any one of a number of surfaces or structures of the naso-pharyngeal area. Most commonly, snoring is attributable to vibration of the soft palate SP. However, vibratory action of the nasal concha C and the pharyngeal wall PW can also contribute to snoring sounds. It is not uncommon for vibratory action from more than one region of the naso-pharyngeal area to contribute to snoring sounds. Sleep apnea can result from partial or full collapse of the nasopharyngeal wall during sleep.
  • FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation of a cross-section of a throat with the pharyngeal airway PA defined by the pharyngeal wall PW and the tongue T.
  • the anterior-posterior axis is labeled A-P to assist in discerning the orientation.
  • the pharyngeal wall PW is shown as including the left lateral pharyngeal wall LLPW, right lateral pharyngeal wall RLPW and posterior pharyngeal wall PPW.
  • the particles of U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,792,478 and 5,421,406 are one example of particles for stiffening injection. Such particles can also include ceramic particles or pure carbon or other bio-compatible particles.
  • the particles can be carried in a liquid or gel medium.
  • the particles can have multi-modal particle size distributions (i.e., a mix of two or more sizes of particles with the smaller particles filling interstitial spaces between larger particles).
  • the bolus 10 of particles can be applied by a needle to inject the bolus 10 into the soft palate SP.
  • the bolus can be the same volume as the volume of the implants 20 of FIGS. 8 and 9 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,250,307.
  • a multiple of bolus injections can be made in the soft palate resulting in deposition of generally spherical deposits 10 ′ of particles.
  • an injecting needle can be withdrawn while simultaneously ejecting particles for the bolus 10 ( FIG. 2 ) to be deposited in a line similar in dimensions to the implants 20 of FIGS. 8 and 9 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,250,307.
  • Implants 10 can be placed in any of the tissue of the naso-pharyngeal area (e.g., the concha C, soft palate SP or pharyngeal wall PW) to treat snoring. Also, such a treatment can stiffen the tissue of the throat and treat sleep apnea resulting from airway collapse by stiffening the airway.
  • tissue of the naso-pharyngeal area e.g., the concha C, soft palate SP or pharyngeal wall PW
  • Such a treatment can stiffen the tissue of the throat and treat sleep apnea resulting from airway collapse by stiffening the airway.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates deposition of particulates through a patch 200 having a volume 202 containing such micro-beads 204 .
  • One side 200 a of the patch 200 contains an array of micro-needles 206 communicating with the volume 202 .
  • the needles 206 may be small diameter, shallow penetration needles to minimize pain and blood. Examples of shallow, small diameter needles are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,582,184 to Erickson et al. Placing the surface 200 a against the tissue (e.g., the pharyngeal wall PW as shown in FIG. 4 ), the needles 206 penetrate the outer surface of the tissue PW.
  • the patch 200 can then be compressed (by finger pressure, roller or the like) to eject the beads 204 from the volume 200 through the plurality of needles 206 .
  • the patch 200 can be provided with interior dividing walls (not shown) so that some of the volume of beads 204 is ejected through each needle 206 .
  • the side 200 a acts as a stop surface to ensure control over the penetration depth of the needles 206 to reduce risk of undesired puncture of underlying structures.
  • Stiffening of the naso-pharyngeal tissue provides structure to reduce vibration and snoring. Such structure reduces airway collapse as a treatment for sleep apnea.
  • Commonly assigned and co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/066,967 filed Feb. 4, 2002 teaches stiffening of the pharyngeal wall with other stiffening techniques including pre-compressing the wall and stiffening the wall in a compressed state.
  • FIGS. 6–7 illustrate the device of the present invention in a pharyngeal wall.
  • the implant can be placed at any location along the length of the airway to stiffen the posterior and lateral walls of the pharyngeal wall. While only one implant is shown in FIGS. 6–7 , multiple implants 100 can be placed in the pharyngeal wall as shown in FIG. 8 .
  • the device is an implant 110 of biocompatible material selected to induce a fibrotic tissue response.
  • a preferred device is a flexible braid 110 of polyester fibers.
  • the implant 110 has a diameter of about 2 mm.
  • a length of 10 mm to 20 mm (depending on patient) can cover about 180 degrees surrounding the pharyngeal airway PA.
  • the implant is elastic so as to be biased toward an at rest position following bending the implant along its longitudinal axis.
  • the braided implant 110 is preferably formed of a plurality of fibers of similar material (i.e., all polyester fibers). The fibers are bonded together near the ends 112 of the braid to prevent excessive fraying.
  • the braid 110 may be a simple braid (such as that shown in International Publication No. WO 01/19301 A1 (PCT/US00/40830)) or may be any other braid geometry such as so-called three dimensional braids as described in Du et al., “Geometric Modeling of 3-D Braided Preforms For Composites”, Proceedings of 5 th Textile Structural Composites Symposium, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pa. (1991) and Ko et al., “Braiding”, Engineering Materials Handbook, Vol. 1, Composites, Reinhart, T. J. Editor, ASM International, Metal Park, Ohio pp. 519–528 (1988).
  • An example of such a more complex braid is shown in commonly assigned and co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/814,471 filed Mar. 21, 2001 and filed internationally as PCT/US02/07966 on Mar. 14, 2002, that is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
  • such a 3-D braid could be a 1 ⁇ 1 3-D braid formed on a 24-carrier machine with a braiding angle of 45 degrees and a braid diameter of about 2 mm.
  • the braid is formed of 24 braider yarns of 70 denier yarns with 2 denier/fil (air-textured yarns may be substituted as discussed below).
  • the braid can be formed with 8 axial polyester yarns of 400 denier (7.9–8 mil) monofilament. While a core-less braid is preferred, cores can be added for stiffness. Such cores may be 10 monofilaments of polyester at 400 denier per filament. It will be appreciated that 3-D braid construction as described form no part of this invention per se and may be formed as described in the afore-mentioned articles.
  • the fibers are heat bonded together (e.g., by application of ultrasonic energy) at two locations spaced 1 mm from the ends of the braid.
  • the ends then be frayed for the individual fibers to splay freely from the bonded locations at the ends.
  • the bonded locations insure the fraying does not migrate throughout the entire length of the braid.
  • the ends may be left braided but unbonded. The ends are then free to fray with the bonded locations insuring any such fraying does not migrate.
  • the frayed ends present a softened tip to tissue as compared to un-frayed ends of an otherwise identical braid.
  • the softened frayed ends reduce likelihood of migration of the braid in the tissue of the soft palate.
  • the fibers of the braid may be air textured yarns so that the braid presents a plurality of fiber loops along its length. These loops present increased volume of interstitial space in the braid for increased tissue growth to further reduce the probability of migration of the braid in tissue. Not all of the fibers need be air-textured yarns. For example, 50% (or some different percentage) of the fibers can be un-textured (or straight) polyester fibers (or silk or other material) and the remaining 50% can be air-textured polyester fibers (or silk or other material). This ratio can be changed at a braid designer's convenience. Also, as an alternative embodiment, in the braid, air-textured fibers can be placed predominantly in the interior of the braid for a less stiff braid and more interior interstitial space for tissue in-growth.
  • the implant 110 is placed in the pharyngeal wall PW with the longitudinal axis of the braid 110 bending in the wall PW and extending transverse to the anterior-posterior axis A-P of the airway PA and also transverse relative to a longitudinal axis of the airway PA.
  • the device 110 thus positioned wraps at least partially around the airway PW to reside in the posterior and lateral pharyngeal walls PPW, RLPW, LLPW.
  • the implant is placed in or beneath a mucosal layer.
  • the device can have a radiopaque marker 111 to assist in visualization of the implant during and after placement. With such marker, the device's position and influence on swallowing can be assessed, the device's effect on maintaining the airway patent at various inspiratory pressures can be visualized.
  • the marker and implant should be magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatible.
  • the location of pharyngeal collapse in a patient is identified so that the device can be targeted for the most appropriate location in the pharynx.
  • the majority of airway collapse is believed to occur in the retropalatal region because the airway narrowing has been shown to be greatest in the retropalatal region.
  • Schwab R J Upper Airway Imaging . Clinics in Chest Medicine 1998; 19(1):33–54. This region is defined as the region from the level of the hard palate to the caudal tip of the soft palate (uvula).
  • studies have also shown that collapse also occurs in the retroglossal region, defined from the caudal margin of the soft palate to the base of the epiglottis. See, e.g., Hudgel D W, Mechanisms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea . Chest 1992; 101:541–49.
  • Fiberoptic endoscopy with or without the Muller maneuver has been shown to be able to effectively define the pattern and location of pharyngeal collapse in children. Fairbanks, supra, Ref. No. 42, p. 29. However, contrasting literature claims that the Muller maneuver has not been demonstrated to accurately simulate an apneic event during sleep (Schwab R J, Upper Airway Imaging . Clinics in Chest Medicine 1998; 19(1):33–54) and proposes that a combination of MR imaging and nasopharyngoscopy with a Muller maneuver prior to UPPP may improve outcome after surgery.
  • nasopharyngoscopy with Muller maneuver demonstrates retroglossal collapse and the MR imaging demonstrates primarily retroglossal narrowing
  • surgery directed at advancing the tongue such as geniohyoid advancement or maxillomandibular advancement should be considered rather than UPPP.
  • a complex three-dimensional biomechanical interaction may exist between the tongue, soft palate and lateral pharyngeal walls.
  • the walls are a complex structure made up of a number of muscles including the hypoglossus, styloglossus, stylohyoid, stylopharyngeus, palatoglossus, palatopharyngeus, the pharyngeal constrictors, lymphoid tissue (palatine tonsils), and pharyngeal mucosa.
  • the biomechanical relationships between these muscles and the way they interact with the soft palate and tongue are not well understood, nor is it understood how the lateral pharyngeal wall moves during respiration or during apnea to modulate airway size.
  • An effective device preferably establishes a pressure differential of 8 cm H 2 O between nasal pressure and pharyngeal critical pressure (P crit ) to eliminate obstructive sleep apnea and snoring.
  • the critical pressure is defined as the pressure that is equal to the pressures exerted on the airway by the surrounding tissue which is equal to the pressures tending to collapse the airway See, Gold A R, Schwartz A R, The Pharyngeal Critical Pressure . Chest 1996; 110:1077–88. It is determined by finding the level of nasal pressure below which maximal inspiratory airflow ceases (airway collapse).
  • the implant should be able to withstand a pressure of 4.4 cm H 2 O to prevent collapse. This was the upper airway suction closing pressure found in OSA patient studies by Issa F Q, Sullivan C E, Upper Airway Closing Pressures in Obstructive Sleep Apnea . J Appl Physiol 1984; 57(2):520–527. Studies have shown that by sleeping with one's mouth open, a 4 cm H 2 O increase in P crit can occur. See, Gold A R, Schwartz A R, The Pharyngeal Critical Pressure . Chest 1996; 110:1077–88. Effective UPPP surgery has demonstrated a reduction in P crit from ⁇ 0.8 to ⁇ 7.3 cm H 2 O. Schwarz A R et al., Effect of Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty on Upper Airway Collapsibility in Obstructive Sleep Apnea . Am Rev Respir Dis 1992; 145(3):527–532.
  • the implant is sized to be implantable in a typical apneic based upon the following anatomical measurements (Schwab R J et al., Upper Airway and Soft Tissue Anatomy in Normal Subjects and Patients with Sleep - isordered Breathing . Am J Respir Crit Care Med 1995; 152:1673–1689):
  • implants 110 in the pharyngeal wall partially extending around the circumference of the pharyngeal, is a presently preferred embodiment, other alternatives exist.
  • implants 110 ′ can be placed in pharyngeal wall parallel to the axis of the pharyngeal airway and spaced around the circumference of the pharyngeal wall as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 .
  • a sheet of polyester material 110 ′′ (or other fibrosis-inducing material) can be placed in the pharyngeal wall at least partially surrounding the axis as shown in FIG. 11 .
  • any stiffness of the material and any resulting fibrosis add structural integrity to the pharyngeal wall. It is intended that such modifications and equivalents shall be included within the scope of the following claims.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Pulmonology (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Vascular Medicine (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Gastroenterology & Hepatology (AREA)
  • Nursing (AREA)
  • Orthopedic Medicine & Surgery (AREA)
  • Cardiology (AREA)
  • Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (AREA)
  • Transplantation (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)
  • Prostheses (AREA)
US10/237,149 2002-02-04 2002-09-06 Stiffening pharyngeal wall treatment Expired - Lifetime US7017582B2 (en)

Priority Applications (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/237,149 US7017582B2 (en) 2002-02-04 2002-09-06 Stiffening pharyngeal wall treatment
PCT/US2003/003503 WO2003065947A1 (fr) 2002-02-04 2003-02-04 Traitement pour renforcer la paroi pharyngee
AU2003209005A AU2003209005A1 (en) 2002-02-04 2003-02-04 Stiffening pharyngeal wall treatment
US10/825,483 US7322993B2 (en) 2002-02-04 2004-04-14 Stiffening pharyngeal wall treatment
US11/179,184 US8037885B2 (en) 2002-02-04 2005-07-12 Treatment for sleep apnea or snoring
US13/276,146 US8413662B2 (en) 2002-02-04 2011-10-18 Stiffening pharyngeal wall treatment

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/066,967 US7146981B2 (en) 2002-02-04 2002-02-04 Pharyngeal wall treatment
US10/237,149 US7017582B2 (en) 2002-02-04 2002-09-06 Stiffening pharyngeal wall treatment

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/066,967 Continuation-In-Part US7146981B2 (en) 2002-02-04 2002-02-04 Pharyngeal wall treatment

Related Child Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/825,483 Continuation US7322993B2 (en) 2002-02-04 2004-04-14 Stiffening pharyngeal wall treatment
US82548204A Continuation 2002-02-04 2004-04-14

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20030149488A1 US20030149488A1 (en) 2003-08-07
US7017582B2 true US7017582B2 (en) 2006-03-28

Family

ID=27736785

Family Applications (4)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/237,149 Expired - Lifetime US7017582B2 (en) 2002-02-04 2002-09-06 Stiffening pharyngeal wall treatment
US10/825,483 Expired - Fee Related US7322993B2 (en) 2002-02-04 2004-04-14 Stiffening pharyngeal wall treatment
US11/179,184 Expired - Fee Related US8037885B2 (en) 2002-02-04 2005-07-12 Treatment for sleep apnea or snoring
US13/276,146 Expired - Lifetime US8413662B2 (en) 2002-02-04 2011-10-18 Stiffening pharyngeal wall treatment

Family Applications After (3)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/825,483 Expired - Fee Related US7322993B2 (en) 2002-02-04 2004-04-14 Stiffening pharyngeal wall treatment
US11/179,184 Expired - Fee Related US8037885B2 (en) 2002-02-04 2005-07-12 Treatment for sleep apnea or snoring
US13/276,146 Expired - Lifetime US8413662B2 (en) 2002-02-04 2011-10-18 Stiffening pharyngeal wall treatment

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (4) US7017582B2 (fr)
AU (1) AU2003209005A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2003065947A1 (fr)

Cited By (34)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20050251255A1 (en) * 2002-02-04 2005-11-10 Restore Medical Inc. Treatment for sleep apnea or snoring
US20050268919A1 (en) * 2002-02-04 2005-12-08 Restore Medical, Inc. Pharyngeal tissue fixation
US20060157055A1 (en) * 2002-12-30 2006-07-20 Pflueger D R Apparatus and methods for treating sleep apnea
US20080261886A1 (en) * 2001-07-16 2008-10-23 Novo Nordisk Healthcare A/G Single-Dose Administration of Factor VIIa
US20090177027A1 (en) * 2008-01-03 2009-07-09 Gillis Edward M Partially erodable systems for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea
US20100024830A1 (en) * 2008-07-30 2010-02-04 Ethicon, Inc. Methods and devices for forming an auxiliary airway for treating obstructive sleep apnea
US20100030011A1 (en) * 2008-07-31 2010-02-04 Ethicon, Inc. Magnetic implants for treating obstructive sleep apnea and methods therefor
US20100037901A1 (en) * 2008-08-14 2010-02-18 Rousseau Robert A Methods and devices for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea
US20100108077A1 (en) * 2008-10-30 2010-05-06 Ethicon, Inc. Implant systems and methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea
US20100132719A1 (en) * 2008-12-01 2010-06-03 Ethicon, Inc. Implant systems and methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea
US20100137905A1 (en) * 2008-12-01 2010-06-03 Weadock Kevin S Implant systems and methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea
US20100185049A1 (en) * 2008-10-22 2010-07-22 Allergan, Inc. Dome and screw valves for remotely adjustable gastric banding systems
US20100211184A1 (en) * 2009-02-17 2010-08-19 Rousseau Robert A Magnetic implants and methods for treating an oropharyngeal condition
US20100269827A1 (en) * 2009-04-24 2010-10-28 New York University System and Method for Circuits to Allow CPAP to Provide Zero Pressure
US20110100377A1 (en) * 2009-10-29 2011-05-05 Ethicon, Inc. Tongue suspension system with hyoid-extender for treating obstructive sleep apnea
US20110100378A1 (en) * 2009-10-30 2011-05-05 Ethicon, Inc. Flexible implants having internal volume shifting capabilities for treating obstructive sleep apnea
US20110144421A1 (en) * 2008-05-12 2011-06-16 Gillis Edward M Partially erodable systems for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea
US20110226262A1 (en) * 2010-03-19 2011-09-22 Gillis Edward M Systems and methods for treatment of sleep apnea
US20110226263A1 (en) * 2010-03-19 2011-09-22 Gillis Edward M Systems and methods for treatment of sleep apnea
US8096303B2 (en) 2005-02-08 2012-01-17 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V Airway implants and methods and devices for insertion and retrieval
US8307831B2 (en) 2009-03-16 2012-11-13 Ethicon, Inc. Implant systems and methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea
US8371307B2 (en) 2005-02-08 2013-02-12 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Methods and devices for the treatment of airway obstruction, sleep apnea and snoring
EP2561842A1 (fr) 2006-07-06 2013-02-27 Quiescence Medical Inc Appareil pour traiter l'apnée du sommeil
US8561616B2 (en) 2008-10-24 2013-10-22 Ethicon, Inc. Methods and devices for the indirect displacement of the hyoid bone for treating obstructive sleep apnea
US8632488B2 (en) 2009-12-15 2014-01-21 Ethicon, Inc. Fluid filled implants for treating medical conditions
US8905033B2 (en) 2011-09-28 2014-12-09 Ethicon, Inc. Modular tissue securement systems
US8973582B2 (en) 2011-11-30 2015-03-10 Ethicon, Inc. Tongue suspension device and method
US9161855B2 (en) 2011-10-24 2015-10-20 Ethicon, Inc. Tissue supporting device and method
US9173766B2 (en) 2012-06-01 2015-11-03 Ethicon, Inc. Systems and methods to treat upper pharyngeal airway of obstructive sleep apnea patients
US9326886B2 (en) 2009-10-29 2016-05-03 Ethicon, Inc. Fluid filled implants for treating obstructive sleep apnea
US9439801B2 (en) 2012-06-29 2016-09-13 Revent Medical, Inc. Systems and methods for treatment of sleep apnea
US9510922B2 (en) 2010-05-21 2016-12-06 Revent Medical, Inc. Systems and methods for treatment of sleep apnea
US9707122B2 (en) 2010-07-26 2017-07-18 Revent Medical, Inc. Systems and methods for treatment of sleep apnea
US10470760B2 (en) 2011-12-08 2019-11-12 Ethicon, Inc. Modified tissue securement fibers

Families Citing this family (57)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6962904B1 (en) * 1998-03-13 2005-11-08 Connective Tissue Imagineering Elastin peptide analogs and uses thereof
US8807137B2 (en) * 2002-09-06 2014-08-19 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Self-anchoring magnetic force implant devices, systems, and methods
EP1545387A1 (fr) * 2002-10-04 2005-06-29 Stephen N. Brooks Systeme et procede visant a prevenir la fermeture de passages
US7647931B2 (en) 2002-12-30 2010-01-19 Quiescence Medical, Inc. Stent for maintaining patency of a body region
ATE389369T1 (de) * 2003-09-12 2008-04-15 Mahlo Hans Wolfgang Dr Med Prothese zum einsetzen in den hals eines lebewesens
WO2005046591A2 (fr) * 2003-11-05 2005-05-26 Pavad Medical, Inc. Modification par l'electricite de la rigidite de tissu corporel pour le traitement des troubles respiratoires
WO2005051292A2 (fr) * 2003-11-20 2005-06-09 Apneon, Inc. Dispositifs, systemes et procedes permettant de fixer des tissus dans certaines zones corporelles, telles que le conduit pharyngien
US8821495B2 (en) * 2003-12-15 2014-09-02 Koninklijke Philips N.V. System and method for hyoidplasty
US8080014B2 (en) 2004-12-15 2011-12-20 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. System and method for hyoidplasty
US7540699B2 (en) * 2004-04-15 2009-06-02 Stafast Products, Inc. Adjustable threshold fastener with flanges
US8813753B2 (en) * 2004-09-21 2014-08-26 Medtronic Xomed, Inc. Implantable obstructive sleep apnea sensor
US8578937B2 (en) 2004-09-21 2013-11-12 Medtronic Xomed, Inc. Smart mandibular repositioning system
US7836888B2 (en) * 2004-09-21 2010-11-23 Pavad Medical, Incorporated Airway implant and methods of making and using
US7882842B2 (en) * 2004-09-21 2011-02-08 Pavad Medical, Inc. Airway implant sensors and methods of making and using the same
US7997266B2 (en) 2004-10-04 2011-08-16 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. System and method for airway manipulation
US20060207607A1 (en) 2005-02-08 2006-09-21 Mark Hirotsuka System and method for percutaneous palate remodeling
WO2007064908A2 (fr) * 2005-11-30 2007-06-07 The Board Of Trustees Of The Leland Stanford Junior University Système destiné à prévenir une obstruction des voies respiratoires
US7780730B2 (en) 2006-09-25 2010-08-24 Iyad Saidi Nasal implant introduced through a non-surgical injection technique
US20080223367A1 (en) * 2007-01-29 2008-09-18 Cox Brian J Method and apparatus for treating airway obstruction
WO2009072115A2 (fr) * 2007-12-05 2009-06-11 Svip 7 Llc Dispositifs et procédés de traitement de troubles respiratoires du sommeil
US7954494B1 (en) 2008-03-26 2011-06-07 Connor Robert A Device with actively-moving members that hold or move the tongue
WO2010048052A1 (fr) * 2008-10-22 2010-04-29 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Endoprothèse vasculaire tubulaire à mémoire de forme comportant des rainures
WO2010059586A1 (fr) 2008-11-19 2010-05-27 Entrigue Surgical, Inc. Appareils et procédés de correction de l'effondrement de la valve nasale
US9833353B2 (en) * 2010-06-03 2017-12-05 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Glossoplasty implant tension relief system
US9265649B2 (en) 2010-12-13 2016-02-23 Quiescence Medical, Inc. Apparatus and methods for treating sleep apnea
US9084859B2 (en) 2011-03-14 2015-07-21 Sleepnea Llc Energy-harvesting respiratory method and device
US11241271B2 (en) 2011-06-14 2022-02-08 Aerin Medical Inc. Methods of treating nasal airways
US10456185B2 (en) 2011-06-14 2019-10-29 Aerin Medical, Inc. Methods and devices to treat nasal airways
US9415194B2 (en) 2011-06-14 2016-08-16 Aerin Medical Inc. Post nasal drip treatment
US11304746B2 (en) 2011-06-14 2022-04-19 Aerin Medical Inc. Method of treating airway tissue to reduce mucus secretion
US10722282B2 (en) 2011-06-14 2020-07-28 Aerin Medical, Inc. Methods and devices to treat nasal airways
US8986301B2 (en) 2012-06-13 2015-03-24 Aerin Medical Inc. Methods and devices to treat nasal airways
US11033318B2 (en) 2011-06-14 2021-06-15 Aerin Medical, Inc. Methods and devices to treat nasal airways
SG10201607576PA (en) 2011-06-14 2016-11-29 Aerin Medical Inc Devices for treating nasal airways
EP2908770B1 (fr) 2012-10-16 2019-04-24 Cook Medical Technologies LLC Appareil pour traiter l'apnée obstructive du sommeil (aos)
WO2014134303A1 (fr) 2013-02-27 2014-09-04 Spirox, Inc. Implants nasaux et systèmes et procédés d'utilisation
US9855164B2 (en) * 2013-03-06 2018-01-02 Ethicon, Inc. Method and device for treating obstructive sleep apnea
US10166017B2 (en) 2013-08-05 2019-01-01 Cook Medical Technologies Llc Medical devices having a releasable tubular member and methods of using the same
US10603059B2 (en) 2013-09-13 2020-03-31 Aerin Medical Inc. Hyaline cartilage shaping
US9687288B2 (en) 2013-09-30 2017-06-27 Arrinex, Inc. Apparatus and methods for treating rhinitis
US9974563B2 (en) 2014-05-28 2018-05-22 Cook Medical Technologies Llc Medical devices having a releasable member and methods of using the same
US9918858B2 (en) 2014-05-30 2018-03-20 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Endoluminal stents and methods of delivery
US9763743B2 (en) 2014-07-25 2017-09-19 Arrinex, Inc. Apparatus and method for treating rhinitis
US9913661B2 (en) 2014-08-04 2018-03-13 Cook Medical Technologies Llc Medical devices having a releasable tubular member and methods of using the same
US10398545B2 (en) 2014-08-26 2019-09-03 Spirox, Inc. Nasal implants and systems and method of use
WO2017053824A1 (fr) 2015-09-25 2017-03-30 Spirox, Inc. Implants nasaux, ainsi que systèmes et procédé d'utilisation
WO2017152061A1 (fr) 2016-03-04 2017-09-08 Aerin Medical, Inc. Modification de la trompe d'eustache
WO2017192394A1 (fr) 2016-05-02 2017-11-09 Entellus Medical, Inc. Implants de valve nasale et procédés d'implantation associés
US11806071B2 (en) 2016-12-22 2023-11-07 Aerin Medical Inc. Soft palate treatment
MA47095A (fr) 2016-12-22 2019-10-30 Aerin Medical Inc Traitement du palais mou
JP7300999B2 (ja) 2017-04-28 2023-06-30 アリネックス， インコーポレイテッド 鼻炎の治療において血管を位置特定するためのシステムおよび方法
USD880694S1 (en) 2017-05-01 2020-04-07 Aerin Medical, Inc. Nasal airway medical instrument
US11096738B2 (en) 2017-05-05 2021-08-24 Aerin Medical, Inc. Treatment of spinal tissue
USD902412S1 (en) 2018-10-31 2020-11-17 Aerin Medical, Inc. Electrosurgery console
USD881904S1 (en) 2018-10-31 2020-04-21 Aerin Medical Inc. Display screen with animated graphical user interface
JP2023531597A (ja) 2020-06-10 2023-07-25 ザ ボード オブ トラスティーズ オブ ザ レランド スタンフォード ジュニア ユニバーシティー 鼻組織の形状を変更するためのシステムおよび方法
WO2024124253A1 (fr) 2022-12-09 2024-06-13 Spirair, Inc. Dispositifs, systèmes et procédés de manipulation de tissus nasaux

Citations (55)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3998209A (en) 1975-12-16 1976-12-21 Macvaugh Gilbert S Snoring deconditioning system and method
US4803075A (en) 1986-06-25 1989-02-07 Collagen Corporation Injectable implant composition having improved intrudability
US4830008A (en) 1987-04-24 1989-05-16 Meer Jeffrey A Method and system for treatment of sleep apnea
SU1553140A1 (ru) 1988-06-15 1990-03-30 Пермский государственный медицинский институт Устройство дл электростимул ции мышц м гкого неба
US4978323A (en) 1989-08-10 1990-12-18 George Freedman System and method for preventing closure of passageways
US5046512A (en) 1989-03-10 1991-09-10 Murchie John A Method and apparatus for treatment of snoring
US5052409A (en) 1989-05-08 1991-10-01 Tepper Harry W Oral appliance for tongue thrust correction
US5133354A (en) 1990-11-08 1992-07-28 Medtronic, Inc. Method and apparatus for improving muscle tone
US5158080A (en) 1990-11-08 1992-10-27 Medtronic, Inc. Muscle tone
US5176618A (en) 1989-08-10 1993-01-05 George Freedman System for preventing closure of passageways
US5178156A (en) 1989-06-20 1993-01-12 Chest Corporation Apnea preventive stimulating device
US5190053A (en) 1991-02-28 1993-03-02 Jeffrey A. Meer, Revocable Living Trust Method and apparatus for electrical sublingual stimulation
US5204382A (en) 1992-02-28 1993-04-20 Collagen Corporation Injectable ceramic compositions and methods for their preparation and use
US5258028A (en) 1988-12-12 1993-11-02 Ersek Robert A Textured micro implants
US5284161A (en) 1992-11-12 1994-02-08 Karell Manuel L Snopper-the snoring stopper anti-snoring mouth device
US5421406A (en) 1992-06-16 1995-06-06 Showa Aluminum Corporation Heat sinks having pin-shaped fins and process for producing same
US5456662A (en) 1993-02-02 1995-10-10 Edwards; Stuart D. Method for reducing snoring by RF ablation of the uvula
DE4412190A1 (de) 1994-04-08 1995-10-12 Schreiber Hans Verfahren zur Anwendung rhenchodepressiver Sustanzen
US5494029A (en) 1992-09-29 1996-02-27 Hood Laboratories Laryngeal stents
EP0706808A1 (fr) 1994-09-21 1996-04-17 Medtronic, Inc. Appareil pour le traitement synchronisé de l'apnée pendant le sommeil
US5514131A (en) 1992-08-12 1996-05-07 Stuart D. Edwards Method for the ablation treatment of the uvula
US5540733A (en) 1994-09-21 1996-07-30 Medtronic, Inc. Method and apparatus for detecting and treating obstructive sleep apnea
US5591216A (en) 1995-05-19 1997-01-07 Medtronic, Inc. Method for treatment of sleep apnea by electrical stimulation
US5669377A (en) 1996-07-05 1997-09-23 Fenn; Arthur C. Nasal band and method for improved breathing
US5674191A (en) 1994-05-09 1997-10-07 Somnus Medical Technologies, Inc. Ablation apparatus and system for removal of soft palate tissue
US5791341A (en) 1995-12-19 1998-08-11 Bullard; James Roger Oropharyngeal stent with laryngeal aditus shield and nasal airway with laryngeal aditus shield
US5792478A (en) 1996-07-08 1998-08-11 Advanced Uro Science Tissue injectable composition and method of use
US5792067A (en) 1995-11-21 1998-08-11 Karell; Manuel L. Apparatus and method for mitigating sleep and other disorders through electromuscular stimulation
US5843021A (en) 1994-05-09 1998-12-01 Somnus Medical Technologies, Inc. Cell necrosis apparatus
US5853004A (en) 1997-06-02 1998-12-29 Goodman; Evan J. Pharyngeal bulb airway
JPH1133120A (ja) 1997-07-15 1999-02-09 Kawasumi Lab Inc 食道内挿入用カテーテル
US5897579A (en) 1994-09-15 1999-04-27 Mount Sinai School Of Medicine Method of relieving airway obstruction in patients with bilateral vocal impairment
US5922006A (en) 1996-08-12 1999-07-13 Sugerman; Joseph H. Nasal appliance
US5979456A (en) 1996-04-22 1999-11-09 Magovern; George J. Apparatus and method for reversibly reshaping a body part
US5983136A (en) 1996-09-17 1999-11-09 Deka Products Limited Partnership System for delivery of drugs by transport
US5988171A (en) 1997-06-26 1999-11-23 Influence Medical Technologies, Ltd. Methods and devices for the treatment of airway obstruction, sleep apnea and snoring
US6098629A (en) 1999-04-07 2000-08-08 Endonetics, Inc. Submucosal esophageal bulking device
DE19920114A1 (de) 1999-05-03 2000-11-09 Fege Wolfgang Rachenseitenimplantat
WO2001019301A1 (fr) 1999-09-17 2001-03-22 Pi Medical, Inc. Implants et procedes pour traiter les ronflements
WO2001023039A1 (fr) 1999-09-29 2001-04-05 Pi Medical, Inc. Dispositif de stimulation pouvant etre implante pour traiter le ronflement
US6216702B1 (en) 1994-12-14 2001-04-17 Camtech As Internal registration of gas/air—and other fluid flows in a human body and use of pressure sensors for such registration
US6240316B1 (en) 1998-08-14 2001-05-29 Advanced Bionics Corporation Implantable microstimulation system for treatment of sleep apnea
US6250307B1 (en) 1999-09-17 2001-06-26 Pi Medical, Inc. Snoring treatment
US20010037133A1 (en) 1999-09-17 2001-11-01 Knudson Mark B. Braided palatal implant for snoring treatment
US20020049479A1 (en) 2000-10-20 2002-04-25 Pitts Walter C. Method and apparatus for creating afferents to prevent obstructive sleep apnea
US6431174B1 (en) * 2000-08-10 2002-08-13 Pi Medical, Inc. Method and apparatus to treat conditions of the naso-pharyngeal area
EP1039859B1 (fr) 1997-12-20 2003-12-03 Wolfgang Fege Implant destine a etre implante dans une langue
US20040045556A1 (en) 2002-09-06 2004-03-11 Swan Medical Systems and methods for moving and/or restraining tissue in the upper respiratory system
WO2004021869A2 (fr) 2002-09-06 2004-03-18 Apneon, Inc. Systemes et procedes de deplacement et/ou de retenue d'un tissu dans le systeme respiratoire superieur
WO2004021870A2 (fr) 2002-09-06 2004-03-18 Apneon, Inc. Dispositif a force magnetique, systemes et procedes permettant de resister a l'affaissement d'un tissu dans le conduit pharyngien
US6748950B2 (en) 2001-04-30 2004-06-15 Closure Medical Corporation Compositions and medical procedure to treat snoring
US20040134491A1 (en) 2002-12-30 2004-07-15 Quiescence Medical Apparatus and methods for treating sleep apnea
US20040139975A1 (en) 2002-09-06 2004-07-22 Apneon, Inc. Magnetic force devices, systems, and methods for resisting tissue collapse within the pharyngeal conduit
US20040153127A1 (en) 2003-01-15 2004-08-05 Alfred E. Mann Institute For Biomedical Engineering At The University Of Southern Californ Treatments for snoring using injectable neuromuscular stimulators
US20040149290A1 (en) 2002-09-06 2004-08-05 Apneon, Inc. Devices, systems, and methods to fixate tissue within the regions of body, such as the pharyngeal conduit

Family Cites Families (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US36120A (en) * 1862-08-05 Improvement in cutters for sugar-cane, sorghum
US4553540A (en) 1983-08-16 1985-11-19 Straith Richard E Airway
US4792336A (en) 1986-03-03 1988-12-20 American Cyanamid Company Flat braided ligament or tendon implant device having texturized yarns
US5181505A (en) * 1989-03-08 1993-01-26 Lew Chel W Method and apparatus for delivery of a medicament in the oral cavity
US4990158A (en) 1989-05-10 1991-02-05 United States Surgical Corporation Synthetic semiabsorbable tubular prosthesis
US5443063A (en) 1993-08-31 1995-08-22 The Johns Hopkins University Cuffed oro-pharyngeal airway
US5582184A (en) 1993-10-13 1996-12-10 Integ Incorporated Interstitial fluid collection and constituent measurement
JPH09138808A (ja) * 1995-11-15 1997-05-27 Kureha Chem Ind Co Ltd 化合物反応経路図の表示方法
US5957133A (en) 1997-07-21 1999-09-28 Hart; William T. Oral appliance with negative air supply for reducing sleep apnea and snoring
US6161541A (en) 1998-06-09 2000-12-19 Influent Ltd. Hyoid expansion and suspension procedure
US6591838B2 (en) * 1998-07-06 2003-07-15 Scimed Life Systems, Inc. Implant system and method for bulking tissue
US6196224B1 (en) 1998-09-30 2001-03-06 David D. Alfery Perilaryngeal oral airway
US6183493B1 (en) 1999-08-24 2001-02-06 Pharmasys International, Llc Method and apparatus for the treatment of sleep apnea and related breathing disorders
WO2001095786A2 (fr) 2000-06-16 2001-12-20 Rajiv Doshi Methodes et dispositifs permettant d'ameliorer la respiration chez des patients atteints de maladie pulmonaire
US6746950B2 (en) * 2001-11-14 2004-06-08 Vitesse Semiconductor Corporation Low temperature aluminum planarization process
US7146981B2 (en) 2002-02-04 2006-12-12 Restore Medical, Inc. Pharyngeal wall treatment
US7017582B2 (en) 2002-02-04 2006-03-28 Restore Medical Inc. Stiffening pharyngeal wall treatment
MXPA06009795A (es) 2004-02-26 2007-03-15 Ira Sanders Metodo y dispositivo para el tratamiento de la apnea obstructiva del sueno y el ronquido.
DE102005000702B4 (de) 2005-01-04 2007-08-23 Klinikum Der Universität Regensburg Vorrichtung zur mittigen Implantation in einen Zungenkörper

Patent Citations (57)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3998209A (en) 1975-12-16 1976-12-21 Macvaugh Gilbert S Snoring deconditioning system and method
US4803075A (en) 1986-06-25 1989-02-07 Collagen Corporation Injectable implant composition having improved intrudability
US4830008A (en) 1987-04-24 1989-05-16 Meer Jeffrey A Method and system for treatment of sleep apnea
SU1553140A1 (ru) 1988-06-15 1990-03-30 Пермский государственный медицинский институт Устройство дл электростимул ции мышц м гкого неба
US5258028A (en) 1988-12-12 1993-11-02 Ersek Robert A Textured micro implants
US5046512A (en) 1989-03-10 1991-09-10 Murchie John A Method and apparatus for treatment of snoring
US5052409A (en) 1989-05-08 1991-10-01 Tepper Harry W Oral appliance for tongue thrust correction
US5178156A (en) 1989-06-20 1993-01-12 Chest Corporation Apnea preventive stimulating device
US4978323A (en) 1989-08-10 1990-12-18 George Freedman System and method for preventing closure of passageways
US5176618A (en) 1989-08-10 1993-01-05 George Freedman System for preventing closure of passageways
US5158080A (en) 1990-11-08 1992-10-27 Medtronic, Inc. Muscle tone
US5133354A (en) 1990-11-08 1992-07-28 Medtronic, Inc. Method and apparatus for improving muscle tone
US5190053A (en) 1991-02-28 1993-03-02 Jeffrey A. Meer, Revocable Living Trust Method and apparatus for electrical sublingual stimulation
US5204382A (en) 1992-02-28 1993-04-20 Collagen Corporation Injectable ceramic compositions and methods for their preparation and use
US5421406A (en) 1992-06-16 1995-06-06 Showa Aluminum Corporation Heat sinks having pin-shaped fins and process for producing same
US5718702A (en) 1992-08-12 1998-02-17 Somnus Medical Technologies, Inc. Uvula, tonsil, adenoid and sinus tissue treatment device and method
US5514131A (en) 1992-08-12 1996-05-07 Stuart D. Edwards Method for the ablation treatment of the uvula
US5494029A (en) 1992-09-29 1996-02-27 Hood Laboratories Laryngeal stents
US5284161A (en) 1992-11-12 1994-02-08 Karell Manuel L Snopper-the snoring stopper anti-snoring mouth device
USRE36120E (en) 1992-11-12 1999-03-02 Karell; Manuel L. Snopper--the snoring stopper anti-snoring mouth device
US5456662A (en) 1993-02-02 1995-10-10 Edwards; Stuart D. Method for reducing snoring by RF ablation of the uvula
DE4412190A1 (de) 1994-04-08 1995-10-12 Schreiber Hans Verfahren zur Anwendung rhenchodepressiver Sustanzen
US5674191A (en) 1994-05-09 1997-10-07 Somnus Medical Technologies, Inc. Ablation apparatus and system for removal of soft palate tissue
US5843021A (en) 1994-05-09 1998-12-01 Somnus Medical Technologies, Inc. Cell necrosis apparatus
US5897579A (en) 1994-09-15 1999-04-27 Mount Sinai School Of Medicine Method of relieving airway obstruction in patients with bilateral vocal impairment
EP0706808A1 (fr) 1994-09-21 1996-04-17 Medtronic, Inc. Appareil pour le traitement synchronisé de l'apnée pendant le sommeil
US5540733A (en) 1994-09-21 1996-07-30 Medtronic, Inc. Method and apparatus for detecting and treating obstructive sleep apnea
US6216702B1 (en) 1994-12-14 2001-04-17 Camtech As Internal registration of gas/air—and other fluid flows in a human body and use of pressure sensors for such registration
US5591216A (en) 1995-05-19 1997-01-07 Medtronic, Inc. Method for treatment of sleep apnea by electrical stimulation
US5792067A (en) 1995-11-21 1998-08-11 Karell; Manuel L. Apparatus and method for mitigating sleep and other disorders through electromuscular stimulation
US5791341A (en) 1995-12-19 1998-08-11 Bullard; James Roger Oropharyngeal stent with laryngeal aditus shield and nasal airway with laryngeal aditus shield
US5979456A (en) 1996-04-22 1999-11-09 Magovern; George J. Apparatus and method for reversibly reshaping a body part
US5669377A (en) 1996-07-05 1997-09-23 Fenn; Arthur C. Nasal band and method for improved breathing
US5792478A (en) 1996-07-08 1998-08-11 Advanced Uro Science Tissue injectable composition and method of use
US5922006A (en) 1996-08-12 1999-07-13 Sugerman; Joseph H. Nasal appliance
US5983136A (en) 1996-09-17 1999-11-09 Deka Products Limited Partnership System for delivery of drugs by transport
US5853004A (en) 1997-06-02 1998-12-29 Goodman; Evan J. Pharyngeal bulb airway
US5988171A (en) 1997-06-26 1999-11-23 Influence Medical Technologies, Ltd. Methods and devices for the treatment of airway obstruction, sleep apnea and snoring
JPH1133120A (ja) 1997-07-15 1999-02-09 Kawasumi Lab Inc 食道内挿入用カテーテル
EP1039859B1 (fr) 1997-12-20 2003-12-03 Wolfgang Fege Implant destine a etre implante dans une langue
US6240316B1 (en) 1998-08-14 2001-05-29 Advanced Bionics Corporation Implantable microstimulation system for treatment of sleep apnea
US6098629A (en) 1999-04-07 2000-08-08 Endonetics, Inc. Submucosal esophageal bulking device
DE19920114A1 (de) 1999-05-03 2000-11-09 Fege Wolfgang Rachenseitenimplantat
WO2001019301A1 (fr) 1999-09-17 2001-03-22 Pi Medical, Inc. Implants et procedes pour traiter les ronflements
US6250307B1 (en) 1999-09-17 2001-06-26 Pi Medical, Inc. Snoring treatment
US20010037133A1 (en) 1999-09-17 2001-11-01 Knudson Mark B. Braided palatal implant for snoring treatment
WO2001023039A1 (fr) 1999-09-29 2001-04-05 Pi Medical, Inc. Dispositif de stimulation pouvant etre implante pour traiter le ronflement
US6431174B1 (en) * 2000-08-10 2002-08-13 Pi Medical, Inc. Method and apparatus to treat conditions of the naso-pharyngeal area
US20020049479A1 (en) 2000-10-20 2002-04-25 Pitts Walter C. Method and apparatus for creating afferents to prevent obstructive sleep apnea
US6748950B2 (en) 2001-04-30 2004-06-15 Closure Medical Corporation Compositions and medical procedure to treat snoring
US20040045556A1 (en) 2002-09-06 2004-03-11 Swan Medical Systems and methods for moving and/or restraining tissue in the upper respiratory system
WO2004021869A2 (fr) 2002-09-06 2004-03-18 Apneon, Inc. Systemes et procedes de deplacement et/ou de retenue d'un tissu dans le systeme respiratoire superieur
WO2004021870A2 (fr) 2002-09-06 2004-03-18 Apneon, Inc. Dispositif a force magnetique, systemes et procedes permettant de resister a l'affaissement d'un tissu dans le conduit pharyngien
US20040139975A1 (en) 2002-09-06 2004-07-22 Apneon, Inc. Magnetic force devices, systems, and methods for resisting tissue collapse within the pharyngeal conduit
US20040149290A1 (en) 2002-09-06 2004-08-05 Apneon, Inc. Devices, systems, and methods to fixate tissue within the regions of body, such as the pharyngeal conduit
US20040134491A1 (en) 2002-12-30 2004-07-15 Quiescence Medical Apparatus and methods for treating sleep apnea
US20040153127A1 (en) 2003-01-15 2004-08-05 Alfred E. Mann Institute For Biomedical Engineering At The University Of Southern Californ Treatments for snoring using injectable neuromuscular stimulators

Non-Patent Citations (40)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
Aboubakr, S. et al., "Long-term facilitation in obstructive sleep apnea patients during NREM sleep", J Appl Physiol, vol. 91, pp. 2751-2757 (Dec. 2001).
Badr, M. "Effect of ventilatory drive on upper airway patency in humans during NREM sleep", Respiration Physiology, vol. 103, No. 1, pp. 1-10 (1996).
Blumen et al., Radiofrequency Ablation for the Treatment of Mild to Moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Nov., 2002; pp. 2086-2092.
Boot, H. et al., "Long-Term Results of Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome", Laryngoscope. vol. 110, pp. 469-475 (Mar. 2000).
Boudewyns, A. et al., "Temperature-controlled Radiofrequency Tissue Volume Reduction of the Soft Palate (Somnoplasty(R)) in the Treatment of Habitual Snoring: Results of a European Multicenter Trial", Acta Otolaryngol, vol. 120, pp. 981-985 (2000).
Brietzke, S. et al., "Injection snoreplasty: How to treat snoring without all the pain and expense", Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, pp. 503-510 (May 2001).
Cole, P. et al., Review Article "Snoring: A Review and a Reassessment", The Journal of Otolaryngology, vol. 24, No. 5, pp. 303-306 (1995).
Coleman, S.et al., "Midline radiofrequency tissue reduction of the palate for bothersome snoring and sleep-disordered breathing: A clinical trial", Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, vol. 122, No. 3, pp. 387-394 (Mar. 2000).
Collard, P. et al., "Why Should We Enlarge the Pharynx in Obstructive Sleep Apnea?", Sleep, vol. 19, No. 9, pp. S85-S87 (1996).
Courey, M. et al., "Histologic and Physiologic Effects of Electrocautery, CO<SUB>2 </SUB>Laser, and Radiofrequency Injury in the Porcine Soft Palate", Laryngoscope, vol. 109, pp. 1316-1319 (Aug. 1999).
Dalmasso, F. et al., "Snoring: analysis, measurement, clinical implications and applications", European Respiratory Journal, vol. 9, pp. 146-159 (1996).
Dreher, A. et al., "Nasenatmungsbehinderung und schlafbezogene Atmungsstorungen", Laryngo-Rhino-Otol, vol. 78, pp. 313-317 (1999).
Ellis, P. et al., "Surgical relief of snoring due to palatal flutter: a preliminary report", Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, vol. 75, pp. 286-290 (1993).
Fischer, Y. et al., "Die Radiofrequenzablation des weichen Gaumens (Somnoplastik)", HNO, vol. 1, pp. 33-40 (2000).
Gillette, P. et al., "Pediatric Cardiac Pacing", Cardiology Clinics, vol. 10, No. 4, pp. 749-754 (Nov. 1992).
Harries, P. et al., "Review Article The surgical treatment of snoring", Journal of Laryngology and Otology, vol. 110, pp. 1105-1106 (Dec. 1996).
Huang, L. et al., "Biomechanics of snoring", 5 pages, (Source Unknown) (Date Unknown).
Huang, L., "Flutter of Cantilevered Plates in Axial Flow", Journal of Fluids and Structures, vol. 9, pp. 127-147 (1995).
Hukins, C. et al., "Radiofrequency Tissue Volume Reduction of the Soft Palate in Simple Snoring", Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surgery, vol. 126, pp. 602-606 (May 2000).
LaFrentz et al., "Palatal Stiffening Techniques for Snoring in a Novel Canine Model", Abstracts of the Twenty-Second Annual Mid Winter Research Meeting of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology, Abstract No. 499, vol. 22, pp. 125-126 (Feb. 13-18, 1999).
Lemperle, G. et al., "PMMA Microspheres (Artecoll) for Skin and Soft-Tissue Augmentation. Part II: Clinical Investigations", Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, vol. 96, No. 3, pp. 627-634 (Sep. 1995).
Li, K. et al., "Radiofrequency volumetric reduction of the palate: An extended follow-up study", Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, vol. 122, No. 3, pp. 410-414 (Mar. 2000).
Littlefield, P. et al., "Snoring surgery: Which is best for you?", ENT-Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal, vol. 78, No. 11, pp. 861-870 (Nov. 1999).
Lorenz, C., "If he snores-what can you do about it?", Today's Woman, 2 pgs, (Jul. 1948).
Mair, E. et al., "Cautery-assisted palatal stiffening operation", Otolaryngology Head and Neck surgery, vol. 122, No. 4, pp. 547-555 (Apr. 2000).
Nutrition for Life International Brochure, "Snoreless(TM)-A Natural Lubricant That Really Works!", 2 pages (Dec. 1999).
Our Health News Brochure, "Snore-Free Nights Guaranteed!", 2 pages (Date Unknown).
Phillips, M., "Stenting therapy for stenosing airway diseases", Respirology, vol. 3, pp. 215-219 (1998).
Schwab, R. et al., "Dynamic upper airway imaging during awake respiration in normal subjects and patients with sleep disordered breathing", Am Rev Respir Dis, vol. 148, pp. 1385-1398 (1993).
Schwab, R. et al., "Upper airway and soft tissue anatomy in normal subjects and patients with sleep-disordered breathing", Am Journal of Respir Crit Care Med,vol. 152, pp. 1673-1689 (1995).
Schwab, R., "Upper Airway Imaging", Clinics in Chest Medicine, vol. 19, No. 1, pp. 33-54 (Mar. 1998).
Schwartz, A., "Pharyngeal Airway Obstruction in Obstructive Sleep Apnea", Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America, vol. 31, No. 6, pp. 911-918 (Dec. 1998).
Schwartz, R. et al., "Effects of electrical stimulation to the soft palate on snoring and obstructive sleep apnea", Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, vol. 76, No. 3, pp. 273-281 (Sep. 1996).
Sher, A. et al., "The Efficacy of Surgical Modifications of the Upper Airway in Adults With Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome", Sleep, vol. 19, No. 2, pp. 156-177 (1996).
SNAP Brochure, "Our Siagnostic Procedures are a Snap!", Snap Laboratories Glenview, IL, 4 pages (Date Unknown).
Somnoplasty Brochure, "Haven't you suffered from snoring long enough", 2 pages (Date Unknown).
Stauffer, J. et al., "Pharyngeal Size and Resistance in Obstructive Sleep Apnea", Amer Rev of Respir Disease, vol. 136, No. 3, pp. 622-627 (Sep. 1987).
Wheatley, J. et al., "Mechanical properties of the upper airway", Pulmonary Med, vol. 4, pp. 363-369 (1998).
Wiltfang, J. et al., "First results on daytime submandibular electrostimulation of suprahyoidal muscles to prevent night-time hypopharyngeal collapse in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome"; Intl Journ of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, vol. 28, pp. 21-25 (1999).
Winter, W. et al., "Enlargement of the lateral pharyngeal fat pad space in pigs increases upper airway resistance", Amer Physiological Society, pp. 726-731 (1995).

Cited By (69)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080261886A1 (en) * 2001-07-16 2008-10-23 Novo Nordisk Healthcare A/G Single-Dose Administration of Factor VIIa
US20050251255A1 (en) * 2002-02-04 2005-11-10 Restore Medical Inc. Treatment for sleep apnea or snoring
US20050268919A1 (en) * 2002-02-04 2005-12-08 Restore Medical, Inc. Pharyngeal tissue fixation
US8864788B2 (en) 2002-02-04 2014-10-21 Medtronic Xomed, Inc. Pharyngeal wall treatment
US20060235462A1 (en) * 2002-02-04 2006-10-19 Restore Medical Inc. Pharyngeal wall treatment
US8430900B2 (en) 2002-02-04 2013-04-30 Medtronic Xomed, Inc. Pharyngeal wall treatment
US8424531B2 (en) 2002-02-04 2013-04-23 Medtronic Xomed, Inc. Pharyngeal wall treatment
US8413662B2 (en) 2002-02-04 2013-04-09 Medtronic Xomed, Inc. Stiffening pharyngeal wall treatment
US8037885B2 (en) 2002-02-04 2011-10-18 Restore Medical, Inc. Treatment for sleep apnea or snoring
US20100137794A1 (en) * 2002-02-04 2010-06-03 Medtronic Xomed, Inc. Pharyngeal wall treatment
US7669603B2 (en) 2002-02-04 2010-03-02 Medtronic Xomed, Inc. Pharyngeal wall treatment
US7686021B2 (en) 2002-02-04 2010-03-30 Medtronic Xomed, Inc. Pharyngeal tissue stabilization
US8104478B2 (en) * 2002-12-30 2012-01-31 Quiescence Medical, Inc. Apparatus and methods for treating sleep apnea
US20060157055A1 (en) * 2002-12-30 2006-07-20 Pflueger D R Apparatus and methods for treating sleep apnea
US8096303B2 (en) 2005-02-08 2012-01-17 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V Airway implants and methods and devices for insertion and retrieval
US8371307B2 (en) 2005-02-08 2013-02-12 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Methods and devices for the treatment of airway obstruction, sleep apnea and snoring
US8757163B2 (en) 2005-02-08 2014-06-24 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Airway implants and methods and devices for insertion and retrieval
EP2561842A1 (fr) 2006-07-06 2013-02-27 Quiescence Medical Inc Appareil pour traiter l'apnée du sommeil
US8167787B2 (en) 2008-01-03 2012-05-01 Revent Medical, Inc. Partially erodable systems for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea
US8523760B2 (en) 2008-01-03 2013-09-03 Revent Medical, Inc. Partially erodable systems for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea
US8747296B2 (en) 2008-01-03 2014-06-10 Revent Medical, Inc. Partially erodable systems for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea
US20090177027A1 (en) * 2008-01-03 2009-07-09 Gillis Edward M Partially erodable systems for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea
WO2009088818A1 (fr) * 2008-01-03 2009-07-16 Revent Medical, Inc. Systèmes partiellement érodables pour le traitement de l'apnée du sommeil obstructive
US20110144421A1 (en) * 2008-05-12 2011-06-16 Gillis Edward M Partially erodable systems for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea
US8707960B2 (en) 2008-05-12 2014-04-29 Revent Medical, Inc. Partially erodable systems for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea
US8991398B2 (en) 2008-05-12 2015-03-31 Revent Medical, Inc. Partially erodable systems for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea
US8327854B2 (en) 2008-05-12 2012-12-11 Revent Medical, Inc. Partially erodable systems for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea
US8678008B2 (en) 2008-07-30 2014-03-25 Ethicon, Inc Methods and devices for forming an auxiliary airway for treating obstructive sleep apnea
US20100024830A1 (en) * 2008-07-30 2010-02-04 Ethicon, Inc. Methods and devices for forming an auxiliary airway for treating obstructive sleep apnea
US8556797B2 (en) 2008-07-31 2013-10-15 Ethicon, Inc. Magnetic implants for treating obstructive sleep apnea and methods therefor
US20100030011A1 (en) * 2008-07-31 2010-02-04 Ethicon, Inc. Magnetic implants for treating obstructive sleep apnea and methods therefor
US20100037901A1 (en) * 2008-08-14 2010-02-18 Rousseau Robert A Methods and devices for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea
US8413661B2 (en) 2008-08-14 2013-04-09 Ethicon, Inc. Methods and devices for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea
US9144511B2 (en) 2008-08-14 2015-09-29 Ethicon, Inc. Methods and devices for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea
US20100185049A1 (en) * 2008-10-22 2010-07-22 Allergan, Inc. Dome and screw valves for remotely adjustable gastric banding systems
US8561616B2 (en) 2008-10-24 2013-10-22 Ethicon, Inc. Methods and devices for the indirect displacement of the hyoid bone for treating obstructive sleep apnea
US8561617B2 (en) 2008-10-30 2013-10-22 Ethicon, Inc. Implant systems and methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea
US20100108077A1 (en) * 2008-10-30 2010-05-06 Ethicon, Inc. Implant systems and methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea
US8800567B2 (en) 2008-12-01 2014-08-12 Ethicon, Inc. Implant systems and methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea
US8915252B2 (en) 2008-12-01 2014-12-23 Ethicon, Inc. Implant systems and methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea
US8783258B2 (en) 2008-12-01 2014-07-22 Ethicon, Inc. Implant systems and methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea
US20100137905A1 (en) * 2008-12-01 2010-06-03 Weadock Kevin S Implant systems and methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea
US20100132719A1 (en) * 2008-12-01 2010-06-03 Ethicon, Inc. Implant systems and methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea
US20100211184A1 (en) * 2009-02-17 2010-08-19 Rousseau Robert A Magnetic implants and methods for treating an oropharyngeal condition
US8371308B2 (en) 2009-02-17 2013-02-12 Ethicon, Inc. Magnetic implants and methods for treating an oropharyngeal condition
US8813754B2 (en) 2009-02-17 2014-08-26 Ethicon, Inc. Magnetic implants and methods for treating an oropharyngeal condition
US8307831B2 (en) 2009-03-16 2012-11-13 Ethicon, Inc. Implant systems and methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea
US8371300B2 (en) 2009-04-24 2013-02-12 New York University System and method for circuits to allow CPAP to provide zero pressure
US20100269827A1 (en) * 2009-04-24 2010-10-28 New York University System and Method for Circuits to Allow CPAP to Provide Zero Pressure
US9326886B2 (en) 2009-10-29 2016-05-03 Ethicon, Inc. Fluid filled implants for treating obstructive sleep apnea
US9877862B2 (en) 2009-10-29 2018-01-30 Ethicon, Inc. Tongue suspension system with hyoid-extender for treating obstructive sleep apnea
US20110100377A1 (en) * 2009-10-29 2011-05-05 Ethicon, Inc. Tongue suspension system with hyoid-extender for treating obstructive sleep apnea
US20110100378A1 (en) * 2009-10-30 2011-05-05 Ethicon, Inc. Flexible implants having internal volume shifting capabilities for treating obstructive sleep apnea
US9974683B2 (en) 2009-10-30 2018-05-22 Ethicon, Inc. Flexible implants having internal volume shifting capabilities for treating obstructive sleep apnea
US8632488B2 (en) 2009-12-15 2014-01-21 Ethicon, Inc. Fluid filled implants for treating medical conditions
US9381109B2 (en) 2010-03-19 2016-07-05 Revent Medical, Inc. Systems and methods for treatment of sleep apnea
US8776799B2 (en) 2010-03-19 2014-07-15 Revent Medical, Inc. Systems and methods for treatment of sleep apnea
US20110226262A1 (en) * 2010-03-19 2011-09-22 Gillis Edward M Systems and methods for treatment of sleep apnea
US8733363B2 (en) 2010-03-19 2014-05-27 Revent Medical, Inc. Systems and methods for treatment of sleep apnea
US20110226263A1 (en) * 2010-03-19 2011-09-22 Gillis Edward M Systems and methods for treatment of sleep apnea
US9510922B2 (en) 2010-05-21 2016-12-06 Revent Medical, Inc. Systems and methods for treatment of sleep apnea
US9707122B2 (en) 2010-07-26 2017-07-18 Revent Medical, Inc. Systems and methods for treatment of sleep apnea
US8905033B2 (en) 2011-09-28 2014-12-09 Ethicon, Inc. Modular tissue securement systems
US9592046B2 (en) 2011-09-28 2017-03-14 Ethicon, Inc. Modular tissue securement systems
US9161855B2 (en) 2011-10-24 2015-10-20 Ethicon, Inc. Tissue supporting device and method
US8973582B2 (en) 2011-11-30 2015-03-10 Ethicon, Inc. Tongue suspension device and method
US10470760B2 (en) 2011-12-08 2019-11-12 Ethicon, Inc. Modified tissue securement fibers
US9173766B2 (en) 2012-06-01 2015-11-03 Ethicon, Inc. Systems and methods to treat upper pharyngeal airway of obstructive sleep apnea patients
US9439801B2 (en) 2012-06-29 2016-09-13 Revent Medical, Inc. Systems and methods for treatment of sleep apnea

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20040172054A1 (en) 2004-09-02
US7322993B2 (en) 2008-01-29
AU2003209005A1 (en) 2003-09-02
US20050251255A1 (en) 2005-11-10
WO2003065947A1 (fr) 2003-08-14
US8037885B2 (en) 2011-10-18
US8413662B2 (en) 2013-04-09
US20030149488A1 (en) 2003-08-07
US20120031412A1 (en) 2012-02-09

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7017582B2 (en) Stiffening pharyngeal wall treatment
US7146981B2 (en) Pharyngeal wall treatment
US6742524B2 (en) Method and apparatus to treat conditions of the naso-pharyngeal area
US20050121039A1 (en) Altering the stiffness, size and/or shape of tissues for breathing disorders and other conditions
WO2003041612A2 (fr) Traitement du ronflement par raidissement lateral

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: PI MEDICAL, INC., MINNESOTA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:METZGER, ANJA K.;ERICKSON, BRIAN J.;SOPP, JOHN P.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:013577/0394;SIGNING DATES FROM 20021112 TO 20021113

AS Assignment

Owner name: RESTORE MEDICAL INC., MINNESOTA

Free format text: MERGER AND CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:PI MEDICAL INC.;REEL/FRAME:013706/0220

Effective date: 20021209

STCF Information on status: patent grant

Free format text: PATENTED CASE

FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: PAT HOLDER NO LONGER CLAIMS SMALL ENTITY STATUS, ENTITY STATUS SET TO UNDISCOUNTED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: STOL); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 4

SULP Surcharge for late payment
AS Assignment

Owner name: MEDTRONIC RESTORE MEDICAL, INC., FLORIDA

Free format text: MERGER;ASSIGNOR:RESTORE MEDICAL, INC.;REEL/FRAME:023427/0092

Effective date: 20080716

Owner name: MEDTRONIC RESTORE MEDICAL, INC.,FLORIDA

Free format text: MERGER;ASSIGNOR:RESTORE MEDICAL, INC.;REEL/FRAME:023427/0092

Effective date: 20080716

AS Assignment

Owner name: MEDTRONIC XOMED, INC., FLORIDA

Free format text: MERGER;ASSIGNOR:MEDTRONIC RESTORE MEDICAL, INC.;REEL/FRAME:023427/0840

Effective date: 20090424

Owner name: MEDTRONIC XOMED, INC.,FLORIDA

Free format text: MERGER;ASSIGNOR:MEDTRONIC RESTORE MEDICAL, INC.;REEL/FRAME:023427/0840

Effective date: 20090424

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 8

MAFP Maintenance fee payment

Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 12TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1553)

Year of fee payment: 12